θαυμαστός

wonderful, marvelous

Definition

The adjective θαυμαστός describes something that is 'wonderful' or 'marvelous,' evoking a sense of awe and astonishment. In the New Testament, it primarily refers to the extraordinary works of God, such as His mighty deeds (Revelation 15:1, 3) and the calling of His people (1 Peter 2:9). It can also describe something that is surprisingly deceptive or astonishing in a negative sense, as seen when Paul warns that Satan disguises himself as an 'angel of light' (2 Corinthians 11:14). In the Gospels, it is used to express amazement at Jesus's actions, as when the healed man in John 9:30 marvels at the Pharisees' ignorance of Jesus's origin.

Biblical Usage

This word is used seven times across various New Testament genres. It appears in the Gospels (Matthew 21:42, Mark 12:11, John 9:30) within quotations or dialogues expressing astonishment at Jesus's works or teachings. In the epistles, it describes the marvelous nature of God's calling (1 Peter 2:9) and Satan's deceptive marvel (2 Corinthians 11:14). In Revelation, it is used exclusively for God's 'marvelous' and awe-inspiring judgments (Revelation 15:1, 3). The usage consistently points to events or attributes that transcend ordinary experience and provoke wonder.

Etymology

Θαυμαστός is derived from the verb θαυμάζω (thaumazō, G2296), meaning 'to wonder' or 'to marvel.' It is an adjective formed with the suffix '-τος,' indicating a passive quality—'to be wondered at.' The root connects to the concept of awe and astonishment, sharing a family with words like θαῦμα (thauma, G2295), meaning 'a wonder' or 'marvel.' Its meaning developed from describing anything that causes wonder to specifically highlighting the wondrous acts of God in biblical usage.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it highlights the awe-inspiring nature of God's actions and character. It underscores that God's works—from salvation (1 Peter 2:9) to final judgment (Revelation 15)—are not merely impressive but fundamentally transcendent, invoking worship and wonder. Understanding θαυμαστός enriches Bible reading by emphasizing that biblical 'wonders' are rooted in divine power and purpose, calling believers to a response of amazement and reverence rather than casual admiration.

In the Greco-Roman world, θαυμαστός was used for anything extraordinary, from natural phenomena to human achievements, often associated with the divine or supernatural. The New Testament usage reframes this cultural concept exclusively around the God of Israel and His Christ, contrasting true divine marvels with false wonders (e.g., 2 Corinthians 11:14). This redirects awe from general human astonishment to worship of the one true God.

θαῦμα (thauma, G2295) — a noun meaning 'wonder' or 'marvel,' referring to the thing itself rather than the quality of being wonderful. θαυμάσιος (thaumasios, G2297) — a near synonym also meaning 'wonderful,' used less frequently in the New Testament (only in Matthew 21:15).

Word Details

Scripture References